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The original item was published from 7/5/2013 6:07:19 PM to 8/6/2013 12:05:00 AM.

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Posted on: July 5, 2013

[ARCHIVED] Arrest made in investigation of "Forged By Fire" charity

Christopher H. Simms, 08/21/62, has been arrested following an investigation of his charity "Forged by Fire."

On July 5, 2013, at approximately 3:05 p.m. Christopher H. Simms 8/21/62 of 18357 Gary Ridge, Durango, Iowa, was arrested on warrants charging him with Fraudulent Practice 2nd Degree and Theft 3rd Degree. The charges stem from an ongoing investigation involving Simms and his charity “Forged By Fire.” Simms is charged with setting up the charity “Forged By Fire” and using the charity to fraudulently obtain money and/or merchandise under the pretense the donations would be used for donations for military personnel. The investigation determined Simms has been obtaining donations from local businesses and citizens for personal use while claiming they were going towards a charitable contribution. He is also charged with writing checks on a closed bank account in the name of his charity “Forged By Fire.”

Anyone who may have been approached or solicited by Simms for donations to his “Forged By Fire” charity or with additional information is encouraged to contact Dubuque Police Investigator Nick Schlosser at (563) 587-3813.

Fraudulent Practice in the 2nd Degree is a class D Felony punishable by up to 5 years incarceration and a fine between $750 and $7500. Theft in the 3rd Degree is an Aggravated Misdemeanor punishable up to 2 years incarceration and a fine between $625 and $6250.

As with any criminal case, the charges filed are allegations and any suspect(s) charged are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law.

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